Home Office scientists give backing to new device which can test drivers for
drugs within minutes

Police officers will be able to test drivers for drugs on the roadside for the first time after the Home Office approved the first mobile testing device.

The "Drugwipe" device can test for cocaine and cannabis from a saliva sample within as little as three minutes.

It will allow traffic officers to test drivers on the roadside rather than taking them into a police station - meaning the number of tests and the number of convictions is likely to soar as the device is adopted by forces.

Mike Penning, the police minister, said chief constables would now be able to roll out the Securetec DrugWipe 3S device after the technology was approved by Home Office scientists.

“Drug drivers are a deadly menace and must be stopped," said Mr Penning.